Diagnosis and classification of female stress urinary incontinence by transperineal two-dimensional ultrasound

Transperineal Ultrasound Evaluation of Bladder Parameters in Patients with Apical Prolapse Undergoing Lateral Suspension or Sacropexy

Introduction

and hypothesis.We evaluated different bladder parameters using Transperineal Ultrasound (TPUS) in patients with apical pelvic organ prolapse undergoing lateral suspension or sacropexy.

Methods

We included 73 cases with 37 cases in lateral suspension (LS) group and 36 cases in sacropexy group. We enrolled cases with apical prolapse stage 2 or higher according to Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification system (POP-Q). Evaluation done of all cases using TPUS preoperatively and at 6, 12 and 18 months follow-up visits.

Results

In LS group we found significant differences postoperatively in bladder neck height (Dy distance) at Valsalva and rest (P value < 0.001 in both) and in β angle at Valsalva and rest (P value < 0.001 in both). There was significant improvement in PVR (P value < 0.001). In sacropexy group we found no significant differences postoperatively in bladder neck height at Valsalva (P value 0.07) or in β angle at Valsalva (P value 0.097). There was significant improvement in PVR (P value 0.006). In between the 2 groups, there was better improvement in LS group than sacropexy group in bladder neck height at rest (P value 0.001) and in β angle both at Valsalva and rest (P value < 0.001 & 0.002 respectively). There was no significant difference in PVR, bladder wall thickness or bladder neck funnelling.

Conclusion

LS and sacropexy showed good postoperative improvement in some bladder parameters using TPUS with better improvement in bladder neck height in LS.

Clinical Trial Registration

Clinical trial ID: NCT03772691.

Comparison of urethral parameters in females presenting cystoceles with and without stress urinary incontinence based on dynamic magnetic resonance imaging: are they different?

PURPOSE

To compare urethral parameters between cystocele patients with and without stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and explore factors influencing SUI in cystocele patients via dynamic MRI.

METHODS

The two-dimensional parameters evaluated included the paravaginal defects, levator ani muscle defects, urethral length, urethral funnel shape, bladder neck funnel width, bladder neck funnel depth, urethral angle, posterior vesicourethral angle, and anterior bladder protrusion. The three-dimensional parameters included the proximal urethra rotation angle, the distal urethra rotation angle, bladder neck mobility, urethral midpoint mobility, and external urethral meatus mobility. The independent samples t test was used for continuous variables, and the chi-square test was used for categorical variables. Binary logistic regression was used to identify factors independently associated with SUI in cystocele patients.

RESULTS

The baseline parameters were similar between the 2 groups. Cystocele patients with SUI had a significantly higher point Aa (1.63 ± 1.06 cm vs. 0.81 ± 1.51 cm, p = 0.008); more anterior bladder protrusion (33.3% vs. 11.4%, p = 0.017); greater bladder neck mobility (36.38 ± 11.46 mm vs. 28.81 ± 11.72 mm, p = 0.005); mid-urethral mobility (22.94 ± 6.50 mm vs. 19.23 ± 6.65 mm, p = 0.014); and external urethral meatus mobility (22.42 ± 8.16 mm vs. 18.03 ± 8.51 mm, p = 0.022) than did cystocele patients without SUI. The other urethral parameters were similar in the groups (p > 0.05). Binary logistic regression showed that bladder neck mobility was independently associated with SUI in females with cystoceles (odds ratio, 1.06; 95% CI 1.015-1.107; p = 0.009).

CONCLUSION

Cystocele patients with SUI have a higher point Aa, more anterior bladder protrusion, and greater urethral mobility than those without SUI. Bladder neck mobility is independently associated with SUI in females with cystoceles.

REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03146195.

Bladder neck incompetence could be an etiology of overactive bladder syndrome in women with stress urinary incontinence after anti-incontinence surgery: insights from transrectal sonography

PURPOSE

To investigate the prevalence of bladder neck incompetence (BNI) and the anatomic differences between different types of urinary incontinence (UI) and overactive bladder (OAB) by transrectal sonography, and to investigate these differences among those with stress UI (SUI) or mixed UI (MUI) who exhibited de novo or persistent OAB symptoms following anti-incontinence surgery.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on a total of 184 patients with SUI, MUI, urge UI (UUI), or OAB dry who underwent transrectal ultrasound between 2017 and 2022. The presence of BNI and urethral incompetence assessed by transrectal ultrasound were recorded in all included patients, and recorded preoperatively and postoperatively among patients with SUI and MUI who underwent anti-incontinence surgery.

RESULTS

Among the patients, 91%, 84%, 76%, and 71% exhibited BNI in MUI, SUI, UUI, OAB dry group, respectively. Significantly higher rate of patients with BNI were found in MUI than in OAB dry group. Patients with OAB symptoms after anti-incontinence surgery exhibited significantly higher rates of BNI and urethral incompetence than those who did not have postoperative OAB symptoms. Among MUI patients with preoperative BNI, significantly lower rate of postoperative BNI and urethral incompetence was observed in individuals who had improved OAB symptoms after surgery, compared to those without improvement.

CONCLUSION

A higher BNI rate was observed in the MUI group. A significantly higher BNI rate was observed in women with OAB symptoms after anti-incontinence surgery. Patients with MUI had improved OAB symptoms if BNI was successfully corrected after anti-incontinence surgery.

Significance of 4D US parameters for the clinical treatment of female patients with stress urinary incontinence

Background

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) that has been associated with abnormal pelvic floor muscle function or morphology is a common condition. This research aimed to study the impact of the four-dimensional (4D) pelvic floor ultrasound on the treatment of female patients with clinical diagnosis of SUI and to evaluate its clinical significance on SUI.

Methods

We enrolled 51 women with SUI. Before transobturator suburethral tape procedures, the patients underwent 4D pelvic floor ultrasonography. The measurements include residual urine volume, bladder detrusor thickness in resting state, the vertical distance from the bladder neck to the posterior inferior edge of pubic symphysis at rest and Valsalva movement, posterior angle of bladder urethra, and urethral rotation angle. The degree of movement of the bladder neck (the difference between the vertical distance from the bladder neck to the posterior inferior edge of the pubic symphysis under the resting state and the maximum Valsalva movement) and the formation of a funnel at the internal orifice of the urethra were calculated.

Results

The mean bladder detrusor thickness was 2.6 ± 0.9 mm, the vertical distance from the bladder neck to the posterior inferior edge of pubic symphysis was 27.7 ± 4.5 mm, the posterior angle of the bladder was 122.7 ± 18.9°, the vertical distance from the rectal ampulla to the posterior inferior edge of pubic symphysis was 18.5 ± 4.6 mm, and the mean area of hiatus of the levator ani muscle was 22.1 ± 6.0 cm2. The mean posterior angle of the bladder on Valsalva was 159.3 ± 23.1°, and the mean urethral rotation angle was 67.2 ± 21.4°.

Conclusions

The 4D pelvic floor ultrasound is a reliable method in evaluating preoperational morphological characteristics of patients with SUI. With the help of the 4D pelvic floor ultrasound, the individualized treatment regimen can be developed and, more importantly, the inappropriate surgical decision can be avoided.

Perineal ultrasound to assess the urethral spatial movement in stress urinary incontinence in women

BACKGROUND

Perineal ultrasound as a non-invasive method for the diagnosis of female stress urinary incontinence has attracted more and more attention. However, the criteria for stress urinary incontinence in women using perineal ultrasound have not been fully established. Our study aimed to evaluate characteristics of the urethral spatial movement with perineal ultrasonography.

METHODS

A total of 136 female patients with stress urinary incontinence and 44 controls were enrolled. Stress urinary incontinence was diagnosed using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form, medical history and physical examination, and severity was assessed using a 1 h pad test. We described the mobility of four equidistant points (A-D) located along the urethra length. The retrovesical and urethral rotation angles were measured using perineal ultrasonography at rest and during the maximal Valsalva maneuver.

RESULTS

Patients with stress urinary incontinence showed a more significant vertical movement at Points A, B and C than controls. The mean variations in the retrovesical angle were significantly larger in patients with stress urinary incontinence at rest and during the Valsalva maneuver than in controls (21.0 ± 16.5° vs. 14.7 ± 20.1°, respectively). The cut-off value for the retrovesical angle variation was 10.7° with 72% sensitivity and 54% specificity. There was a receiver-operating characteristic curve area of 0.73 and 0.72 for Points A and B, respectively. A cut-off of 10.8 mm, and 9.4 mm provided 71% sensitivity and 68% specificity and 67% sensitivity and 75% specificity, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The spatial movement of the bladder neck and proximal urethra, and variations in the retrovesical angle may be correlated with clinical symptoms and facilitate to the assessment of SUI.

Diagnostic value of transperineal ultrasound in patients with stress urinary incontinence (SUI): a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

We aimed to analyze the diagnostic value of transperineal ultrasound in patients with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) using evidence-based methods.

METHODS

A comprehensive search of the studies on the diagnosis of SUI by transperineal ultrasound in PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane library, Medicine, Web of Science, and clinicaltrials.gov databases on August 1, 2022. Studies were included if they met the inclusion criteria and were evaluated by different quality evaluation methods according to study types. Various ultrasound parameters were collected and counted to analyze and judge the diagnostic value of transperineal ultrasound in SUI patients.

RESULTS

A total of 13 studies with 1563 participants were finally included. The combined statistics showed no significant difference in age and parity among the included patients, and the BMI of the SUI group was slightly higher than that of the normal population (MD 1.20, 95%CI 0.68-1.72). The results indicated that compared with the normal population, the α angle (MD 15.56, 95%CI 9.93-21.90), β angle (at rest: MD 10.02 mm, 95%CI 1.95-18.09; at Valsalva: MD 22.40 mm, 95%CI 13.79-31.01), bladder neck descent (MD 6.82 mm, 95%CI 4.49-9.14), area of hiatus (MD 2.83 cm², 95%CI 0.71-4.94) and bladder neck funneling (RR 4.71, 95%CI 1.08-20.62) of SUI patients were significantly different, which illustrated the potential value of transperineal ultrasound in diagnosing SUI.

CONCLUSION

Evidence-based medicine was applied to statistically analyze published articles on the diagnostic value of transperineal ultrasound in SUI. The results suggested that transperineal ultrasound had application value in the diagnosis of SUI and had the potential to become a routine examination method to assist clinical decision-making.

The Clinical Effects of Pixel CO2 Laser on Bladder Neck and Stress Urinary Incontinence

Background: Our study aims to assess Pixel CO2 laser efficacy for female stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Methods: In the study, 25 women with SUI were included and scheduled for vaginal Pixel CO2 Laser (FemiLift™, Alma Lasers, Israel) treatment. All subjects had a baseline and 6-month post-treatment assessment that included three-dimensional perineal ultrasound and validated questionnaires. Results: Data showed that monthly three-session vaginal Pixel CO2 Laser treatment significantly improved SUI symptoms, as evidenced by validated questionnaires, including UDI-6, IIQ-7, ICIQ, and vaginal laxity questionnaire (p < 0.05). The Pixel CO2 Laser efficacy in vaginal treatment was 20/25 (80%), and the perineal sonography showed that laser treatment significantly decreased bladder neck mobility and middle urethral area (during resting and straining). Permanent adverse events were not found. Conclusions: The results of our study suggested that for the treatment of mild to moderate SUI symptoms, Pixel CO2 Laser is effective and safe; however, more studies and a longer follow-up should be conducted to confirm its efficacy and durability.

The role of transperineal ultrasound in the evaluation of stress urinary incontinence cases

Purpose:

To evaluate the use of transperineal ultrasonography while diagnosing stress urinary incontinence (SUI) by comparing the urethral angle (α), posterior urethrovesical angle (β), and bladder neck descent (BND) during rest and Valsalva maneuver in continent women and women with SUI.

Materials and methods:

This prospective observational study was conducted with 50 women with SUI and 50 continent women. Transperineal ultrasonography was performed at rest and during Valsalva maneuver. Q-tip test was performed.

Results:

During the Valsalva maneuver, both α and β angles were significantly higher in women with SUI (p <0.001). The difference between Valsalva and rest measurements of α and β angles (R α, R β) were also significantly higher in women with SUI (p <0.001). The cut-off point determined for the R α in the diagnosis of stress incontinence was 16° (80% sensitivity, 98% specificity). A statistically significant strong correlation was found between Q-tip test angle and R α value (p=0.000; r=0.890). Q-tip VAS pain scores were significantly higher than ultrasonography VAS pain scores (p <0.001). In relation to the bladder neck descent comparison between the two groups showed that BND was significantly higher in SUI group (p <0.001). The cut-off point determined for BND in the diagnosis of SUI was >11mm (90% sensitivity, 98% specificity).

Conclusion:

Transperineal ultrasonography is a practical, reliable, non-invasive and comfortable method for evaluation of SUI. It has the advantage of dynamic evaluation during the Valsalva maneuver. Rotation angles and BND have high sensitivity and specificity for detection of SUI. The change in α angle with Valsalva (Rα) can be used as an alternative to Q-tip test.

Prediction of Stress Urinary Incontinence Using the Retrovesical (β) Angle in Transperineal Ultrasound

OBJECTIVES

The accurate, rapid diagnosis of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women can profoundly improve their sexual and psychosocial life. In this study, the diagnostic power of SUI was assessed by transperineal ultrasound.

METHODS

In this hospital-based case-control study, married women who were referred to the gynecologic and ultrasound wards with negative urinalysis and culture results were enrolled by random sampling. Patients with positive cough signs based on the urodynamic testing data were considered cases, whereas control women showed no cough symptoms and were recruited from the same ward.

RESULTS

There was a significant difference (P < .001) in bladder neck descent (mean ± SD, 10.89 ± 5.51 versus 7.08 ± 2.60 mm, respectively; P = .0001) and the retrovesical (β) angle with the Valsalva maneuver (144.22° ± 19.63° versus 111.81° ± 24.47°; P < .001) between the case and control groups. Also, the β angle without the Valsalva maneuver was higher in the case group (112.35° ± 23.10°) than the control group (120.17° ± 25.16°; P = .001). There was no case of a urinary leak, urethral diverticulitis, a bladder stone or mass, and cystourethrocele in the patients of each group. The results of multivariate logistic regression with a backward method showed that bladder neck descent (odds ratio [OR], 1.24; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09-1.40), the β angles with and without the Valsalva maneuver (OR, 1.1; 95% CI, 1.06-1.13; and OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01-1.06) were the predictors of SUI. A β angle higher than 127° with the Valsalva maneuver, with an area under the curve of 0.89 (95% CI, 0.75-0.96), could very well predict the SUI response. This finding shows that it can be very well used to distinguish between normal and non-normal responses, with 89% sensitivity and 79% specificity.

CONCLUSIONS

The β angle with the Valsalva maneuver could very well predict the SUI response.

The pathophysiology of stress urinary incontinence: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction and hypothesis

To evaluate the evidence for pathologies underlying stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women.

Methods

For the data sources, a structured search of the peer-reviewed literature (English language; 1960–April 2020) was conducted using predefined key terms in PubMed and Embase. Google Scholar was also searched. Peer-reviewed manuscripts that reported on anatomical, physiological or functional differences between females with signs and/or symptoms consistent with SUI and a concurrently recruited control group of continent females without any substantive urogynecological symptoms. Of 4629 publications screened, 84 met the inclusion criteria and were retained, among which 24 were included in meta-analyses.

Results

Selection bias was moderate to high; < 25% of studies controlled for major confounding variables for SUI (e.g., age, BMI and parity). There was a lack of standardization of methods among studies, and several measurement issues were identified. Results were synthesized qualitatively, and, where possible, random-effects meta-analyses were conducted. Deficits in urethral and bladder neck structure and support, neuromuscular and mechanical function of the striated urethral sphincter (SUS) and levator ani muscles all appear to be associated with SUI. Meta-analyses showed that observed bladder neck dilation and lower functional urethral length, bladder neck support and maximum urethral closure pressures are strong characteristic signs of SUI.

Conclusion

The pathology of SUI is multifactorial, with strong evidence pointing to bladder neck and urethral incompetence. While there is also evidence of impaired urethral support and levator ani function, standardized approaches to measurement are needed to generate higher levels of evidence.

Three-Dimensional Transperineal Ultrasonography for Diagnosis of Female Occult Stress Urinary Incontinence

Background

We evaluated the utility of three-dimensional transperineal ultrasonography in detecting occult stress urinary incontinence in women undergoing anterior pelvic floor reconstruction surgery for severe cystocele.

Material/Methods

We enrolled 207 women with stage III–IV cystocele without urinary stress incontinence. One week before the operation, the patients underwent pelvic floor ultrasonography. We measured the vertical distance between the bladder neck and posterior margin of the pubic symphysis, the posterior vesicourethral angle, the urethral rotation angle, the formation of funnel shape, the hiatus area, and the length of the urethra and the funnel shape. Postoperatively, the patients were evaluated for symptoms of stress urinary incontinence and with the 20-minute pad test.

Results

The posterior vesicourethral angle with Valsalva maneuver, the difference in the posterior vesicourethral angle between the resting state and with the Valsalva state, and the angle of the proximal urethra were larger in the incontinence-positive group than in the incontinence-negative group (P<0.05). Funnel shape urethra was longer in the incontinence-positive group than in the incontinence-negative group (P<0.05). The cutoff value was 137.5° for the posterior vesicourethral angle with Valsalva maneuver, 39.5° for the difference in the posterior vesicourethral angle, 44.5° for the angle of the proximal urethra, and 0.35 cm for the length of the funnel shape. Multivariate analysis revealed that the difference between the posterior vesicourethral angle in the resting state and with Valsalva, the angle of the proximal urethra, and the length of funnel shape were strongly correlated with occult stress urinary incontinence.

Conclusions

Ultrasonography is an effective method for identifying occult stress urinary incontinence.

Can Stress Urinary Incontinence Be Predicted by Ultrasound?

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study is to determine the value of translabial real-time 3D ultrasound for predicting stress urinary incontinence (SUI). SUBJECTS AND METHODS. From December 2012 to August 2016, women with or without SUI diagnosed by urologists via urodynamics were prospectively recruited. All subjects underwent translabial real-time 3D ultrasound at one institution. Volume data were analyzed offline by a radiologist who was blinded to the diagnosis and who evaluated the bladder neck position on maximal Valsalva maneuver, the levator hiatus area on maximum Valsalva maneuver, bladder neck descent, and the urethral rotation angle. Combinations of two, three, and four parameters were analyzed using Fisher linear discriminant analysis. ROC curves were constructed to determine the optimal cutoff values of the four parameters and all combinations of parameters to predict SUI. RESULTS. A total of 321 women with SUI (mean [± SD] age, 35 ± 11 years) and 90 women without SUI (mean age, 31 ± 8 years) were included. Only 337 women were included in the final study, to eliminate the confounder of age. The cutoff values for the bladder neck position on maximal Valsalva maneuver, the levator hiatus area on maximum Valsalva maneuver, bladder neck descent, and the urethral rotation angle as parameters predicting SUI were 1 mm, 19 cm², 24 mm, and 45°, respectively. For all combinations of parameters, the negative predictive values were more than 90%, although none of the combinations had a sensitivity higher than 70%. The specificities were approximately 95% when three or four parameters were included. The positive predictive value of the combinations ranged from 49.2% to 84.8%. CONCLUSION. Translabial real-time 3D ultrasound is insufficient for predicting SUI, but it can be used to identify women without the condition.